THE PEAR
The pear (Pyrus communis) is widely popular as a healthy snack, breakfast food and staple in various cultures throughout the world. Its impressive nutrient makeup is what makes it even more appealing to researchers and health experts. Now, more than ever, we know that increasing our intake of fruits, vegetables and whole foods high in fiber, antioxidants and other phytonutrients can make a world of difference when it comes to fighting disease and achieving a higher level of health.
Pears have been cultivated for millennia in Asian and European cultures, where they have enjoyed a status linked to both royalty and immortality. Chinese historical data records the cultivation of pears as far back as 5,000 B.C. In The odyssey, the Greek poet Homer lauds pears as the “gift of the gods.” Pears were also a valuable and much-desired commodity among merchants and sailors for their trading ventures in the ancient world, due to the fruit’s versatility and long storage life. European artists also promoted the pear as a symbol of social status, often making it the centerpiece of elegant still-life paintings.
Early in America’s colonialist history, immigrants brought the first pear trees to this continent. Over time, they have spread and flourished, becoming a favorite of America’s food palate as a simple snack, a key ingredient in fruit salad, or featured in elegant, high-society restaurants.
The pear’s health benefits are intriguing. It appears to be high in antioxidants, which offer protection against aging-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cataracrts, diabetes and dementia. The fruit in its whole form is also high in fiber, making it a potential weapon in the fight against digestive and urinary problems, as well as possibly lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease. The high fiber content of the pear also contributes to its ability to normalize blood-sugar levels.*
The vitamin C content of pear contributes to several of its health benefits, including boosting immune function and protection of other antioxidants such as vitamin E. In addition, the pear is high in copper, which helps protect the body from superoxide radicals. Superoxide radials are a type of free radical generated during normal metabolism, as well as when white blood cells attack invading bacteria and viruses. If not eliminated quickly, superoxide radicals damage cell membranes.
Finally, although not well-documented in scientific research, pears are often recommended by health care practitioners as a hypo-allergenic fruit that is less likely to produe an adverse response than other fruits. Particularly in the introduction of first fruits to infants, pear is often recommended as a safe way to start.
Nutritional Highlights
* Fiber
* Vitamin K
* Vitamin C
* Copper
* Polyphenols
Potential Health Benefits
* Free-radical protection
* Lowers risk of heart disease
* Lowers risk of vascular disease and stroke
* May lower high blood pressure
* May fight diabetes and related conditions
* Can assist the body’s detoxification processes
* May stimulate immune function
* Apple and pear peel and pulp and their influence on plasma lipids and antioxidant potentials in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Sep 10;51(19)5780-5.
